The view that the physical realization of a functional component is not, in some sense, its essence. Rather, what makes a functional component the type it is, is characterized in terms of its role in relating inputs to outputs and its relations to other functional components. See multiple realizability , Turing machine , functionalism(2) , causal functionalism .&ltDiscussion &gt &ltReferences &gt Chris Eliasmith

An explanatory approach to behavior and the constitution of cognitive states that regards particular behaviors and cognitive structures and capacities as playing functional roles in particular domains or contexts. See also functionalism(1) , causal functionalism , explanation .&ltDiscussion &gt &ltReferences &gt Daniel Barbiero

Noun1. a psychology based on the assumption that all mental process are useful to an organism in adapting to the environment (hypernym) scientific theory (classification) psychology, psychological science2. any doctrine that stresses utility or purpose (hypernym) doctrine, philosophy, philosophical system, school of thought, ism